Bouncing Back

The post-election era in India has visibly seen a significant shift in power dynamics, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, dominating the national scene since 2014. The Indian National Congress (INC), once the undisputed leader of Indian politics, has been struggling to regain its lost ground.

Amidst this backdrop, the fate of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, the most prominent leaders of Congress, hangs in the balance. The Indian general elections 2024 marked a victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), touching the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

While many hailed this triumph as a testament to Modi’s unyielding popularity and leadership, Modi’s popularity has steadily declined since his first term in office. His approval ratings have consistently dropped over time due to various factors, such as economic issues, authoritarian tendencies, and growing concerns about his personal life. This decline in popularity is attributed to multiple factors, including Modi’s handling of economic problems, such as demonetization and GST. The BJP’s core constituency has traditionally been rural India, comprising small-scale farmers and artisans.
Still, they have become highly disillusioned with the BJP’s handling of agricultural issues, such as crop failure due to poor monsoons or low prices due to surplus production, leading them to turn against the BJP. Simultaneously, religious minorities such as Muslims and Christians have felt marginalized and excluded by the BJP’s controversial political rhetoric. Therefore, any attempt by the Modi regime to suppress dissent and curtail academic freedom will further erode its credibility.

In comparison, the Congress’s struggles are well-documented as well. The party’s inability to adapt to changing times, internal disputes, and the rise of regional parties have all contributed to its decline. In recent years, the Congress has been relegated to a secondary position, with its leaders struggling to make an impact on the national stage. Rahul Gandhi, who took over as the party’s president in 2017, has been trying to revitalize the party’s image and ideology. However, his efforts have been met with limited success. Despite launching several campaigns, such as the “Nyay” scheme and “Bharat Jodo Yatra,” the party has failed to gain significant traction. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul’s sister and an MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi constituency, has emerged as a critical player in Congress’s strategy. Her ability to connect with voters and her charismatic leadership have earned her a reputation as a rising star in Indian politics. Priyanka has been instrumental in strengthening the party’s presence in Uttar Pradesh, where it was once a tremendous dominant force.

Despite these efforts, Congress faces significant challenges before the 2024 by-polls. The BJP’s stranglehold on power at the centre and in many states has created a formidable obstacle for the party. The ruling party’s machinery, backed by significant financial resources and organizational strength, will make it difficult for Congress to gain a reliable upper hand. Furthermore, the rise of regional parties like Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and KCR’s Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana has fragmented the opposition space, making it challenging for the Congress to form a cohesive alliance.

Rahul Gandhi’s leadership has been under scrutiny since he took over as Congress president. Critics have questioned his ability to lead the party back to power, citing his lack of governance experience and inability to connect with voters. However, Rahul remains committed to transforming India through secular policies and social justice. In recent months, Rahul has been working tirelessly to rebuild the party’s infrastructure and reorganize its structures. He has also been focusing on grassroots-level politics, engaging with voters and addressing their concerns. Indeed, Gandhi’s efforts have earned him praise from some quarters, with many seeing him as a genuine leader committed to serving the country.